Colostomy service device



United States Patent Ofifice 2,695,1924 Patented Nov. 23, 1954 CGLUSTOMY SERVICE DEVICE N. W. Herbert Krohnrann, Bronx, N. Y. Application February 20, 1953, Serial No. 338,011 16 Claims. (Cl. 128-283) This invention relates to devices for use by persons having had a colostomy operation and utilizes periodically care for the discharge in a simple, efficient and practical manner. More particularly, the invention deals in a device or apparatus of the character described, having a transparent panel rendering the discharge visible for notation by the patient.

Still more particularly, the invention deals with means for normally maintaining the artificial opening closed in the periods intermediate the use periods of the device or apparatus, and also in the provision of means for spray flushing the device in the discharge use thereof.

The novel features of the invention will be bestunderstood from the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed, and in which the separate parts are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the device made according to my invention, indicating part of the strap structure for support of the device around the body of the user, with parts of the construction broken away, and diagrammatically illustrating the syringe and water supply;

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 omitting the flexible water tube shown in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 omitting the discharge device and showing a means for closing the artificial openmg.

With individuals having had a colostomy, extreme difficulty has been experienced, as well as extreme inconvenience, in caring for periodical discharges through the artificial opening. The purpose of my invention is to provide a simple and practical device for caring for the periodical discharges, so that this can be accomplished in a simple and pleasant manner and at a material saving of time, and eliminating all of the nuisances of common methods of procedure.

Further, I provide means for closing the artificial opening in the intervening periods so as to maintain at all times every degree of sanitation and convenience to the individual.

In Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, I have shown at the casing of the device substantially in the form of a cup or cylinder having a large base plate 11, generally of the contour seen in Fig. 3 of the drawing, the plate having at corner portions thereof grooved outwardly projecting posts 12 with which a body encircling belt is detachably coupled, end

, portions of the belt having pairs of keyhole type couplings 13, note Fig. 3 where two of such couplings are shown in plan, and the belt will have a suitably positioned buckle 14, note Fig. l, for firmly securing the device around the body of the user, part of this body being illustrated in section at 15 in Figs. 2 and 4 of the drawing. The couplings 13 facilitate detachment of the belt from the device so as to facilitate sterilization of the device after use thereof.

In the body sections, shown in part in Figs. 2 and 4 of the drawing, the colostomy tube 16 is diagrammatically illustrated and forms the artificial opening 17.

The casing 10 has a large opening 18 in the upper wall thereof. which opening is closed by a transparent panel 19 held in position by a removable strip 20, the panel 19 otherwise fitting in grooved portions of the casing, as will .clearly appear in Fig. 2 of the drawing.

The outer end 21 of the casing'is closed, and this en .has an internally threaded boss 22 with which is detachthe tube 49 on the casing,

ably coupled a fitting 23 having an inwardly extending tubular part 24, the fitting including the tubular part 24 as a one diameter bore 25 for the reception of a conventional syringe tube 26, the inner end portion of which extends into the opening 17 in the use of the device, and has a discharge at its inner end as indicated at 27. The tube 24 extends sufliciently into the casing 10 to guide the syringe tube 26 to the opening 17, as will be apparent.

The casing 10 includes inwardly of the end 21 an inclined bafile wall 28, the lower end of which borders a discharge opening 29, from which a large diameter inclined discharge tube 30 extends, the bore of the tube 30 being of the same diameter as the opening 29, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawing. The inclination of the tube 30 is outwardly with respect to the body, and this tube has a reduced tapered end 31 on which is arranged the tapered end 32 of a long and bent extension tube 33, this tube being so bent as to extend its end 34 in the direction of the body so as to be directed to a toilet basin on which the individual is seated in the use of the device. Secured to the upper end of the tube 33 is a rubber sleeve 35 which extends beyond the tapered end 32 to engage the tube 30. The latter engagement is detachable for the purpose of sterilizing the device and also for sterilization of the tube 33.

By the interfitting tapered engagement between the tubes 30 and 33, a one diameter passage 36 is provided through both tubes. The tube 30 is braced on the casing by an arch bracing member 37, clearly seen in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing. In Fig. 1 of the drawing, I have diagrammatically illustrated at 26', and entirely out of proportion, a syringe bag from which the tube 26 extends, this diagrammatic showing is made to simplify the illustration, it being understood that in the operation of conducting a discharge, the user first takes a specified syringe treatment by insertion of the tube 26 into the opening 17 to the required degree, after which the syringe tube is withdrawn from the device as well as from the fitting, and in this operation a trigger released closure cap 38 is brought into engagement with the end 39 of the fitting to close the bore or passage 25. The cap 38 is at one end gt a lever 40 pivoted to the fitting 23, as seen at 41, note ig. l.

The lever 40 has an offset or hook shaped fingerpiece end 42 facilitating movement of the lever, including the closure cap 38, which is in the form of a gasket, into the full line position shown in Fig. 1, in which position the lever is engaged by a pawl trigger 43, the latter having a roughened projecting fingerpiece 44 which normally projects upwardly in a manner clearly seen in Fig. 3 of the drawing. A suitable spring 45 is provided to normally support the trigger pawl 43 in operative position, engaging the lever 40 in the manner clearly seen in Fig. 3. How ever, by actuation of the fingerpiece 44 in moving the same from left to right, as seen in Fig. 3, the lever 40 will automatically and quickly be thrown into its operative position, indicated in dot and dash lines in Fig. l, by a spring 46 arranged around the pivot 41, as indicated in Fig. 1 of the drawing. The tension of the spring 46 is sufiicient to securely hold the closure cap 38 in sealed position upon the end 39 of the fitting 23.

v At one side of the casing 10, the right side as viewed in Fig. 3, is an extending boss 47 with which an L-shaped tube 48 is coupled, and also coupled with the boss 47 is a curved tube 49 in communication with the tube 48, being coupled with two bosses 50 and 51 and with these bosses are coupled two and 53 which are in circulatory communication with the tube 49 through the bosses 50, 51. Extending from the tubes 52 and 53 are three branches 52' and 53' which extend into the casing and communicate with discharge ports arranged along the sides of the opening 18, and three of these ports are indicated at 54 in Fig. 2 of the drawing, it being understood that the other side will have similar discharge ports. These ports, by virtue of the angular relationship of the tubes 52' and 53, will direct sprays of water substantially into the center portion of the casing. Coupled with the L-shaped tube 48 is a flexible hose or tube 55, note .Fig. 1, which couples with a suitable water discharge other tubes 52 faucet or the like, a diagrammatic showing of which is indicated at 56 in Fig. l of the drawing.

After the syringe tube 26 has been withdrawn and the end of the fitting 23 sealed, as previously stated, water is admitted through the tube 55 for discharge through the nozzles 52, 53' into the casing, thus creating Within the discharge chamber 57 of the device a flushing which facilitates passage of the discharge from the artificial opening 17 downwardly through the tube 30 and tube 33.

After the use of the device, I employ a plug member 525, preferably made of flexible plastic material, rubber, or the like, the plug member comprising a curved outer disk 59 with an inwardly beaded peripheral edge 60 so as to form between the disk 59 and the body 15 around the tube 16 a chamber 61. Centrally of the disk is an inwardly projecting conical rod 62 having a longitudinal groove 63 in the surface thereof and extending to the inner surface of the disk 59 to register with the chamber 61, and at 62 the disk has a vent discharge opening into the chamber 61. Centrally of the outer end of the member 58 is a threaded socket 63, with which an actuating rod 64 is detachably coupled.

The rod is utilized in placing the plug 53 in position and in removing the same preparatory to the application of the device to the body, as will be apparent. Normally, the plug 58 can be supported on the body by placing a pat of suitable material, preferably gauze or a combination of gauze and other soft materials, as diagrammatically illustrated in dot and dash lines at 65 in Fig. 4 of the drawing, and over this may be applied a light band or belt to maintain the plug 58 in position at all times during the periods intervening the periods of discharge when the discharge device is utilized. The passages 63 and 62, in conjunction with the chamber 61, facilitate escape of gases which might prevail during said intervening period.

It will be noted that the fitting 23 includes a hexagon enlargement 66 which, in conjunction with the extended support 67 for the lever 40, as noted in Fig. 3 of the drawing, provides means for gripping the fitting by hand to rotate the fitting in the operation of coupling and uncoupling the fitting with the casing. This detachment is desirable, particularly in sterilization of the device after use thereof. The extension 67 aids in the tightening of the fitting, whereas the projecting fingerpiece 44 of the trigger pawl 43 aids in loosening the fitting. On the other end, a similar tool could be applied to the hexagon knot for this purpose. However. in practice, the manual operation of the fitting will sufiice, particularly in bringing the end of the hexagon enlargment 66 into snug engagement with the boss 22.

It will be apparent that the transparent panel 19 extends the greater portion of the width of the casing 10, and this panel also facilitates the operation of insertion of the syringe tube 26. and by arranging the trigger pawl or the fingerpiece 44 thereof in an upwardly directed manner, a quick release of the closure cap lever can be accomplished at the extent that the tube 26 is withdrawn.

It will also be apparent that the pressure and/or volume of water discharge through the nozzles 52', 53 can be controlled through actuation of the discharge faucet or valve 56.

The curved windowed opening at the upper part of the device is also extremely practical from the standpoint of diet control. People having had the colostornv operation are placed on a diet, and by observation through the window opening, the user can definitely determine results of diet so as to provide or adjust a better control thereof.

By utilizing the plug member 58, this provides a practical means for care of the artificial opening during the periods intervening discharges, and further performs a st1ll more important function in maintaining the artificial opening in proper shape and contour for reception of the svrlnge tube 26. It is a well known fact that during the intervening periods, the artificial opening has a tendency to contract, thus at each dischar e period ditficulty is experienced in insertion of the syringe tube. The plug serves to maintain this opening in proper contour at all times. Tn this manner, further comfort and practic bility is aiforded to the individual.

It will be apparent that the device, as herein disclosed, particularly from the standpoint of the introduction of the sprays to the chamber of the casing, will adapt the device to many uses beyond the use herein specifically described.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A device of the character described, comprising a cup-shaped casing having an enlarged base plate, means detachably coupled with the base plate for supporting the casing upon the body, the outer end of the casing being closed, a fitting detachably mounted in the closed end of the casing and having axially of the casing a one diameter bore, part of the bore being formed by a tube extending into the casing, one wall of the casing having a downwardly inclined discharge tube, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with the first named discharge tube, and a manually controlled closure secured to the fitting and adapted to control the outer end of said fitting.

2. A device of the character described, comprising a cup-shaped casing having an enlarged base plate, means detachably coupled with the base plate for supporting the casing upon the body, the outer end of the casing being closed, a fitting detachably mounted in the closed end of the casing and having axially of the casing a one diameter bore, part of the bore being formed by a tube extending into the casing, one wall of the casing having a downwardly inclined discharge tube, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with the first named discharge tube, a manually controlled closure secured to the fitting and adapted to control the outer end of said fitting, the

upper Wall of the casing having a large opening, and a transparent panel closing said opening.

3. A device of the character described, comprising a cup-shaped casing having an enlarged base plate, means detachably coupled with the base plate for supporting the casing upon the body, the outer end of the casing being closed, a fitting detachably mounted in the closed end of the casing and having axially of the casing a one diameter bore, part of the bore being formed by a tube extending into the casing, one wall of the casing having a downwardly inclined discharge tube, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with the first named discharge tube, a manually controlled closure secured to the fitting and adapted to control the outer end of said fitting, the upper wall of the casing having a large opening and a transparent panel closing said opening, and means at bordering edges of said opening for providing fluid spray discharges into the casing above and in the environment of the discharge tube of said casing.

4. A device of the character described, comprising a cup-shaped casing having an enlarged base plate, means detachably coupled with the base plate for supporting the casing upon the body, the outer end of the casing being closed, a fitting detachably mounted in the closed end of the casing and having axially of the casing a one diameter bore, part of the bore being formed by a tube extending into the casing, one wall of the casing having a downwardly inclined discharge tube, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with the first named discharge tube, a manually controlled closure secured to the fitting and adapted to control the outer end of said fitting, the upper wall of the casing having a large opening, a transparent panel closing said opening, means at bordering edges of said opening for providing fluid spray discharges into the casing above and in the environment of the discharge tube of said casing, and the casing having an inclined baffle wall registering with the outer portion of the discharge tube of said casing.

5. A device of the character described, comprising a cup-shaped casing having an enlarged base plate, means detachably coupled with the base plate for supporting the casing upon the body, the outer end of the casing being closed, a fitting detachably mounted in the closed end of the casing and having axially of the casing a one diameter bore, part of the bore being formed by a tube extending into the casing, one wall of the casing having a downwardly inclined discharge tube, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with the first named discharge tube, a manually controlled closure secured to the fitting and adapted to control the outer end of said fitting, the upper wall of the casing having a large opening, a transparent panel closing said opening, means at bordering edges of said opening for providing fluid spray discharges into the casing above and in the environment of the discharge tube of said casing, the casing having an inclined baflie wall registering with the outer portion of the discharge tube of said casing, and said manually controlled closure including a spring actuated lever and a spring actuated trigger pawl engaging said lever to normally support the same in inoperative position.

6. A device of the character described, comprising a cup-shaped casing having an enlarged base plate, means detachably coupled with the base plate for supporting the casing upon the body, the outer end of the casing being closed, a fitting detachably mounted in the closed end of the casing and having axially of the casing a one diameter bore, part of the bore being formed by a tube extending into the casing, one wall of the casing having a downwardly inclined discharge tube, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with the first named discharge tube, a manually controlled closure secured to the fitting and adapted to control the outer end of said fitting, the upper wall of the casing having a large opening, a transparent fpanel closing. said opening, means at bordering edges of said opening for providing fluid spray discharges into the casing above and in the environment of the discharge tube of said casing, the casing having an inclined baflie wall registering with the outer portion of the discharge tube of said casing, said manually controlled closure including a spring actuated lever and a spring actuated trigger pawl engaging said lever to normally support the same in inoperative position, and said trigger pawl having an upwardly extending fingerpiece facilitating actuation of said pawl in release of said closure for movement into operative position.

7. A device of the character described, comprising a cup-shaped casing having an enlarged base plate, means detachably coupled with the base plate for supporting the casing upon the body, the outer end of the casing being closed, a fitting detachably mounted in the closed end of the casing and having axially of the casing a one diameter bore, part of the bore being formed by a tube extending into the casing, one wall of the casing having a downwardly inclined discharge tube, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with the first named discharge tube, a manually controlled closure secured to the fitting and adapted to control the outer end of said fitting, said closure including a spring actuated lever having a packing disk adapted to seat on the outer end of said fitting in closing the bore of said fitting, and a spring tensioned and manually actuated pawl engaging said lever to support the closure in inoperative position.

8. A device of the character described, comprising a casing having a windowed portion in one wall thereof, a

tubular discharge in the opposed wall thereof, one end of r the casing being open, the open end having means for coupling a body encircling belt therewith, the other end of the casing having a fitting including a tubular portion extending into the casing and an end projecting from said casing, the fitting having a bore opening into the casing, a closure cap secured to the fitting for sealing the outer end of the bore of said fitting, tensional means engaging the fitting cap pivotally mounted on said fitting and engaging said cap for supporting said cap in operative position, and means for holding the cap in inoperative position.

9. A device of the character described, comprising a casing having a windowed portion in one wall thereof, a tubular discharge in the opposed wall thereof, one end of the casing being open, the open end having means for coupling a body encircling belt therewith, the other end of the casing having a fitting including a tubular portion extending into the casing and an end projecting from said casing, the fitting having a bore opening into the casing, a closure cap secured to the fitting for sealing the outer end of the bore of said fitting, tensional means engaging the fitting and cap pivotally mounted on said fitting and engaging said cap for supporting said cap in operative position, means for holding the cap in inoperative position, and said last named means comprising a manually actuated part, operation of which will release the cap for movement into operative position.

10. A device of the character described, comprising a casing having a windowed portion in one wall thereof, a tubular discharge in the opposed wall thereof, one end of the casing being open, the open end having means for coupling a body encircling belt therewith, the other end of the casing having a fitting including a tubular portion extending into the casing and an end projecting from said casing, the fitting having a bore opening into the casing, a

closure cap secured to the fitting for sealing the outer end of the bore of said fitting, and means on the casing bordering said windowed portion for discharging fluid sprays into the casing above said discharge tube.

11. A device of the character described, comprising a casing having a windowed portion in one wall thereof, a tubular discharge in the opposed wall thereof, one end of the casing being open, the open end having means for coupling a body encircling belt therewith, the other end of the casing having a fitting including a tubular portion extending into the casing and an end projecting from said casing, the fitting having a bore opening into the casing, a closure cap secured to the fitting for sealing the outer end of the bore of said fitting, means on the casing bordering said windowed portion for discharging fluid sprays into the casing above said discharge tube, a supplemental discharge tube detachably coupled with said first named discharge tube, and said supplemental tube having a curved portion for directing the end thereof in a direction corresponding to the open end of said casing.

12. A device of the character described, comprising a casing having a windowed portion in one Wall thereof, a tubular discharge in the opposed wall thereof, one end of the casing being open, the open end having means for coupling a body encircling belt therewith, the other end of the casing having a fitting including a tubular portion extending into the casing and an end projecting from said casing, the fitting having a bore opening into the casing, a closure cap secured to the fitting for sealing the outer end of the bore of said fitting, means on the casing bordering said windowed portion for discharging fluid sprays into the casing above said discharge tube, a supplemental discharge tube detachably coupled with said first named discharge tube, said supplemental tube having a curved portion for directing the end thereof in a direction corresponding to the open end of said casing, and said discharge tubes having tapered engaging surfaces to form a one diameter passage through said tubes.

13. A device of the character described, comprising a casing opened at one end, the other end portion of the casing having means forming a bore the inner end of which opens into the casing and through which a syringe tube is adapted to pass, the outer end of said bore-opening outwardly of the casing, means mounted on said first named means for closing and sealing the outer end of the bore when said syringe tube is removed, means on the opened end portion of the casing for detachably coupling a supporting belt therewith, the casing having a discharge tube inclined outwardly with respect to the open end of the casing, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with respect to said first named discharge tube, the casing having a windowed section on a wall thereof opposed to said discharge tube, a plurality of spray nozzles opening into the casing at border edges of said windowed section, a fluid supply tube on the casing communicating with said nozzles, and with which a flexible tubing is detachably coupled for placing said tube and nozzles in communication with the source of fluid supply.

14. A device of the character described, comprising a casing opened at one end, the other end portion of the casing having means forming a bore the inner end of which opens into the casing and through which a syringe tube is adapted to pass, the outer end of said bore opening outwardly of the casing, means mounted on said first named means for closing and sealing the outer end of the bore when said syringe tube is removed, means on the opened end portion of the casing for detachably coupling a supporting belt therewith, the casing having a discharge tube inclined outwardly with respect to the open end of the casing, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with respect to said first named discharge tube, the casing having a windowed section on a wall thereof opposed to said discharge tube, a plurality of spray nozzles opening into the casing at border edges of said windowed section, a fluid supply tube on the casing communicating with said nozzles, with which a flexible tubing is detachably coupled for placing said tube and nozzles in communication with the source of fluid supply, and said first named means comprising a fitting detachably mounted on said casing.

15. A device of the character described, comprising a casing opened at one end, the other end section of the casing having means forming a bore the inner end of which opens into the casing and through which a syringe tube is adapted to pass, the outer end of said bore opening outwardly of the casing, means mounted 7 on said first named means for closing and sealing the outer end of the bore when said syringe tube is removed, means on the opened end portion of 'the casing for detachably coupling a supporting belt therewith, the casing having a discharge tube inclined outwardly with respect to the open end of the casing, a supplemen'tal discharge tube detachable with respect to said first named discharge tube, the casing having a windowed section on a wall thereof opposed to said discharge tube, a plurality of spray nozzles opening into the casing at border edges of said windowed section, a fluid supply tube on the casing communicating with said nozzles, with which a flexible tubing is detachably coupled for placing said tube and nozzles in communication with the source of fluid supply, said first named means comprising a fitting detachably mounted on said casing, and said casing including a baflle wall bordering part of the discharge tube of said casing.

16. A 'device of the character described, comprising a casing opened at one end, the other end portion of the casing having means forming a bore the inner end of which opens into the casing and through which a syringe tube is adapted to pass, the outer end of said bore opening outwardly of the casing, means mounted on said first named means for closing and sealing the outer end of the bore when said syringe tube is removed, means on the opened end portion of the casing for detachably coupling a supporting belt therewith, the "casing having a discharge tube inclined outwardly with respect 'to the open end of "the casing, a supplemental discharge tube detachable with respect to said first named discharge tube, the casing having a windowed section on a wall thereof opposed 'to said discharge tube, a plurality of spray nozzles opening into the casing at border edges of said windowed sectio'u, 'a flu'id supply tube on the casing communicating with said "nozzles, with which a flexible tubing is detachably coupled for placing said tube and nozzles in communication with the source of fluid supply, said first named means comprising a fitting detachably mounted on said casing, said casing including a baffle -wall bordering part of the discharge tube of said casing, and said second named means comprising a spring actuated and manually controlled closure.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,366,059 Schunk D6C. 26, 1944 2,438,073 Saur Mar. 16 1948 2,438,769 Thomas Mar. 30, 1948 2,524,750 Belling'er Oct. 10, 1950 2,540,777 Deahl Feb. 6, 1951 2,616,425 Pap'pas Nov. 4, 1952 

